The First Industrial Pretreatment Training Webcast from ...



Lance McAvoy, AWEA President“Status quo is not healthy for an organization for it often leads to complacency.”2476502552700Inside This Issue1From the President2Welcome to New and Returning Members4WEF Corner6Developing Effective Networks through Networking8Hand SafetyMuch more inside! Don’t miss it!Every organization is a living entity made up of people from different walks of life striving to achieve a common goal or purpose. All too often we find organizations that have “lost their way”. We use terms like “refocus” to describe what an organization needs to do to get “back on track”. But stop for a moment and answer these two questions, “What is the goal of your organization?” and, “What is being done to collectively achieve that goal?” Now ask yourself, “What am I personally doing to achieve that goal?” Although this may seem like an insulting or accusatory question to ask, it is very important that we ask ourselves this question every so often to help judge where we are and to see if we are on the “right path” to where we want to be. It also helps us to focus on the goal or purpose of the organization we are in and allows us to determine if it is time to change what is being done, either due to “being on a dead end road” or “taking the next step” towards the goal. When change is suggested or warranted, we often hear, “But we’ve always done it this way” or, “But we’re doing what’s required”. Status quo is not healthy for an organization for it often leads to complacency. Years ago I saw a sign in a restaurant that simply stated, “Doing just what is required is what keeps the average so low.” So, where is your organization’s average?This year, the AWEA Officers and Board are “shaking things up a little” to “raise the bar”. There are new people on the Board, new committees, new committee chairs, and new opportunities for more people to get involved. It may cause us to have a “wild ride”, but I’ve personally found that “you can’t make diamonds without a little pressure”.One of the first “opportunities to knock” is the 17th Annual Specialty Conference this year. It is October 13 & 14 at the Ozark Conference Center in Morrilton. Maybe you are under 35, and are interested in getting involved but don’t know where to start, check out the new Young Professional Committee. Or, you’re not sure how you can help or serve, then contact one of the committee chairs and volunteer to serve on that committee or help out when possible. In the following pages you will find out more about the Specialty Conference, Young Professional Committee, opportunities to share what you’ve learned with others, and much, much more. All clichés aside, we need your help to make AWEA a stronger organization by becoming involved. Help to reduce the status quo and get involved. It’s a “win win” on the “road to success”. By Lance McAvoy-137795-352425From the President: Status Quo Must GoSeptember 2010Volume 1Issue 2AWEA Welcomes New and Returning MembersNameCity StateEmployerBilly J StephensHot SpringsARBT Environmental Inc.Jeremy Chad HouseHot SpringsARInstrument & Supply IncJames WhitenerBauxiteARAlmatisTerry McKinneyBentonARBenton UtilitiesJoe Walton, JrHigdenARWS Systems & Components LLCSusan PoeLonokeARArkansas Rural Water AssociationKenneth W MatthewsNorth Little RockARNorth Little Rock Wastewater UtilitySylvester SmithNorth Little RockARNorth Little Rock Wastewater UtilityJimmy W Smith, JrSearcyARSearcy Water & Sewer SystemDennis CosseyLittle RockARThermo Energy CorporationDeborah Lovell-HighfillLittle RockARLittle Rock Wastewater UtilityCharles BramlettLittle RockARFTN Associates LtdCharles Nicholas SiriaLittle RockARFTN Associates LtdShane SangalliLittle RockARMoS EquipmentDebra WoosleyLittle RockAREnvironmental ServicesLawson M AndersonMarionARRMBCShane EasterlingHarrisonARInternational Grating & FlangesArnold RogersHarrisonARCity of HarrisonDoug SundeHarrisonARInternational Grating & FlangesJames RoseAlpenaARAlpena High School (Student)Donna McchristianFayettevilleARCH2M HillAlison ThomaFayettevilleARUniversity of ArkansasGary GuilloryFayettevilleARCommunity Resource GroupScott H ZottiFayettevilleARGarverRussell D TateFayettevilleARGarverKyle KrugerFayettevilleARGarverNancy BusenBentonvilleARCity of BentonvilleRyan HicksBentonvilleARCity of BentonvillePatrick R AbshierSpringdaleARTyson Food IncBradley J StewartFort SmithARCity of Fort SmithTiffany N MallardFort SmithARCity of Fort SmithBarry McCormickVan BurenARHawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc.On behalf of the Arkansas Water Environment Association, I would like to welcome our newest members. Many of the people named above have never before been a part of AWEA, while others have been members in the past and have decided to rejoin us this year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Association for allowing me to serve as the membership chairman for the past 5 years. I have been honored to be able to serve in this capacity and am looking forward to continued membership in AWEA. As I step down from this position, I am fortunate to be able to pass the reigns to a fully capable gentleman. Larry Yancey of Hawkins-Weir Engineers will be assuming this role. His contact information is as follows:Larry Yancey, P.E.Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc.110 South 7th Street Van Buren, AR 72956Phone: (479) 474-1227Fax: (479) 474-8531Larry.Yancey@hawkins-Please feel free to contact Larry with any questions that you might have regarding membership in this organization.AWEA Welcomes New and Returning MembersBy Aaron Benzing, P.E., Membership ChairBy Duyen Tran, AWEA Vice president, WEF DelegateWEF CornerIt’s a perfect time to be a WEF and AWEA Member!Membership will warranty a better price for the 17th annual AWEA Specialty Conference. Apply for membership on line @ or CategoryWEF DuesAWEADuesTotalDueProfessional (Active) $ 85.00+$ 17$ 102Academic $ 85.00+$ 17$ 102PWO (Professional Wastewater Operator) $ 45.00+$ 17$ 62Young Professional $ 45.00+$ 17$ 62Student $ 20.00+$ 0$ 20Retired $ 20.00+$ 15$ 35Corporate $250.00+$ 100$ 350Executive $295.00+$ 17$ 312Support your career and the wastewater profession by joining the national Water Environment Federation (WEF). WEF is the not for profit association that has provided technical education and training for the world’s water quality professionals since 1928. The Federation has 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations who support its mission to preserve and enhance the global water environment. Work for WaterThe Work for Water web site, , was launched in August 2010. This site is packed with resources to find jobs or prepare for rewarding careers in protecting public health and the environment.?It also offers tools such as the Water Sector Competency Model that was jointly released by WEF, AWWA, the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The competency model defines the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for prospective water professionals and encourages careers in the water sector. The web site was developed by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the world’s leading technical experts on drinking water and water quality. It is one of the primary resources that provide a gateway to the many recruiting and retention resources already available throughout North America. It is also part of a global outreach campaign to promote water careers to high school and vocational school students, college students, second career and retired military job seekers, and others. Work for Water web site is one of the public outreach initiatives that aim to enhance the image of water careers and encourage students and job seekers to “Work for Water.” The public outreach initiatives hope to address one of the water community’s top concerns in the coming decade—the expected retirement of 30% of the water workforce and the need to recruit new talent to the field. Access Water KnowledgeAccess Water Knowledge is a high-quality technical resource area in the WEF web site, . Check out two featured components of the Access Water Knowledge Centers: Knowledge Centers: The latest research, news, and education from WEF and other credible resources on 15 topics of interest to the water quality community.WEF Library: Searchable archive of WEF conference proceedings and Water Environment Research (WER) articles.Knowledge is a high-quality technical resource area featuring two components:Online EducationWEF also offers comprehensive online training materials for water professionals and students, . Study at your own pace by taking one of WEF courses to obtain continuing education credits, or sign up for a webcast and participate in a group setting. By Tiffany Mallard, Young Professional ChairDeveloping Relationships through Effective NetworkingEffective networking plays a vital role in one’s career development, enhancement, and success. Nevertheless, gathering with other professionals at a conference can be exceptionally intimidating for both young professionals and those with years of experience. As a young professional, I am continuously attempting to network with other professionals and finding myself unsure of how to handle different situations. By learning strategies of how to build mutually beneficial working relationships, we can be better prepared and more confident when networking opportunities arise.The first step to networking is to introduce yourself to someone you do not know. Standing in line, whether for signing in or for getting food, is a great opportunity to meet those around you. When introducing yourself, you should be prepared for someone to ask, “What do you do?” Rather than rambling and being wordy, prepare a concise and memorable answer ahead of time. You should be able to clearly communicate what you do and for whom you work in a confident manner.While engaging in conversation with others, remember not to talk excessively. An important aspect of effective networking is being a good listener. Convey that you are interested in what the other person is saying. One way to actively engage in the conversation is to ask questions. You can also say, “Tell me more about…” to demonstrate your interest in what he or she is saying. Remember, networking is not about talking to as many people as possible, but rather having memorable conversations that can develop into lasting professional relationships.When conversations come to an end, networking is not finished. Offer others your business card, and ask for one in return. Then, be sure to follow up with them at a later date. If necessary, make any significant notes about that person or your conversation with that person on the back of his or her business card. By following up with others after an initial conversation, a lasting relationship can begin.Although these tips are helpful in developing networking skills, the key to effective networking is PRACTICE! Take advantage of all possible opportunities to strengthen your networking abilities. Effective networking takes time to learn, but to learn, we must first step out of our comfort zone. Remember to relax and, most importantly, be yourself!Welcome, Young Professionals!The Arkansas Water Environment Association welcomes the Young Professional Committee! The purpose of the Young Professional Committee is to provide members younger than the age of 35 with tools to identify and achieve personal goals and enhance their overall professional experience. Objectives of this committee include educating members on Arkansas’ water environment, strengthening professional partnership, and encouraging professional development. This committee also strives to involve young professionals in community awareness of environmental conservation and preservation. Are you a young professional looking for a way to get involved? Joining AWEA as a young professional is a great place to start!For more information on the Young Professional Committee, or if you are interested in joining this committee, please contact me at thays@. Tiffany MallardYoung Professional ChairHand SafetyBy Richard Kyzer, Safety ChairAvoiding Finger, Hand, and Wrist InjuriesWhether you're a machine operator, a lab technician, an office worker--any kind of worker, for that matter--your hands are one of your most important "instruments." Yet, over a quarter of a million people suffer serious (and often disabling) hand injuries each year. By recognizing hand hazards, following established safety guidelines, and using protective guards, shields, gloves and other personal protective devices as needed, you can save your hands from injury and yourself from unnecessary disability. Recognizing Hand HazardsOne of the most serious yet common causes of hand injury is the use of unprotected or faulty machinery or equipment. Failure to use push-sticks, guards, kill-switches, or to follow appropriate lock-out procedures are among the leading industrial hand hazards. Wearing jewelry, gloves, or loose-fitting clothing around moving parts can also lead to injury. Chemicals, corrosives, and other irritating substances can cause burns and skin inflammation unless appropriate hand protection is used. Temperature extremes and electrical hazards are other common causes of hand injuries. In addition, constant, repetitive motion (as in assembly-line work or painting) can cause undue stress on the wrists and hands unless protective measures are taken. The following list provides a guideline for hand safety that can help you protect your hands from injury and disability. Hand Protection ChecklistBe alert to potential hand hazards before an accident can happen. Be alert to possible unguarded pinch points. Always use push-sticks, guards, shields, and other protective devices when appropriate. Do not remove guards. Use brushes to wipe away debris. Inspect equipment and machinery before and after tasks to make sure that it is in good operating condition. Disconnect power and follow established lock-out procedures before repairing or cleaning machinery. Never wear jewelry or loose clothing when working with moving machine parts. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment--gloves, guards, forearm cuffs, barrier creams--for the specific task you are performing. When wearing gloves, be sure they fit properly and are rated for the specific task you are performing. Select tools designed to keep wrists straight to help avoid repetitive motion/overuse problems. Contact:Ann WilsonCity of Alexandria, LA318-441-6251Ann.Wilson@For Immediate ReleaseRegion VI Pretreatment Association Wraps Up Another Successful WorkshopIrving, Texas (August 6, 2010) – The 26th annual Region VI Pretreatment Workshop was held August 2 – 5, 2010. This year’s workshop was held in Irving Texas. Attendance at the workshop was over 300, including professionals working at the local and state government level along with regional and national E.P.A. officials and many exhibitors.Each year the workshop planners bring in both national and local speakers to address issues of concern to industrial pretreatment professionals not just in E.P.A. Region VI, but also from around the country. Attendees were presented with information ranging from the pretreatment basics to up and coming pretreatment issues.As has been the case for many years now, Pretreatment 101 classes were conducted prior to the regular workshop presentations. These classes are always a big hit with the newer pretreatment folks. Over a 100 people attended these classes which are taught by both the Region 6 E.P.A. personnel and the state pretreatment coordinators.The opening remarks were delivered by Miguel Flores, Director, E.P.A. Region VI Water Quality Protection Division. Jan Pickrel, the national E.P.A. Pretreatment Coordinator, gave an overview of federal pretreatment issues. Dr. Barbara Karn with the National Center for Environmental Research presented attendees with information about nanomaterials and some of the implications this new technology has to the pretreatment field. “We have a new nanomaterial manufacturer in our community that we have struggled with regulating, so I was particularly glad to see this topic being addressed by EPA at the workshop” said Lyle Milby, Assistant Coordinator of Environmental Services for the City of Norman, Oklahoma. Another topical subject was addressed by Vicki Blazer, United States Geological Survey, who spoke about pollutants of emerging concern.As if these topics were not enough, there were breakout sessions devoted to Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) programs, energy conservation, lab reports, calculating production-based limits, multijurisdictional issues, drug disposal and take-back programs, annual reports, industrial wastewater treatment technologies, pollution prevention, and more. It was definitely an information packed workshop with topics of interest to everyone. “I was able to learn how to successfully implement best management practices from experts who manage pretreatment programs throughout Region VI. In addition, many exhibitors were able to share technologies which could be applied to the City’s Pretreatment Program. With so many exhibitors, I was able to do comparison shopping for products and services during the conference,” said Ann Wilson, Superintendent of Environmental Services for the City of Alexandria, Louisiana.On the last day of the workshop an awards ceremony was held to recognize the pretreatment program in Region 6 that had accomplished the most to promote and implement pollution prevention with the industries regulated through their program and their community at-large. The award was presented to Ta’ Soriaga, Environmental Quality Division Manager for the City of Carrollton, Texas.Most of the presentations are available on the Region VI Pretreatment Association’s website, . Start making plans now to attend next year’s workshop, scheduled for August 1 – 4, 2011 in Irving, Texas.1905001514475Arkansas Environmental Training AcademyAugust – December 2010 Training Schedule August 9-13 Backflow Assembly Tester CamdenAugust 10 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification CamdenAugust 10-12Intermediate Water TreatmentLittle RockAugust 10-12 Class I Wastewater ParagouldAugust 16-19 Small Wastewater Treatment Systems (Night classes) Ft. SmithAugust 23-26 Class II Wastewater MaumelleAugust 23-27 Backflow Assembly Tester ConwayAugust 24 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification ConwayAugust 24-26Basic Water DistributionVan BurenAug 31-Sept 2Basic Water TreatmentFayetteville?September 6-8 OSHA General Industry (30 Hr.) CamdenSeptember 14 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification FayettevilleSeptember 14Basic Water MathParagouldSeptember 15Applied Water MathParagouldSeptember 16PWS ComplianceParagouldSeptember 13-17 Class III Wastewater Arkadelphia September 13-17 Backflow Assembly Tester FayettevilleSeptember 21-22Electrical Safety & TroubleshootingMaumelleSeptember 21-23Advanced Water TreatmentLittle RockSeptember 21-23Intermediate Water DistributionFayettevilleSeptember 21-23 Backflow Assembly Repair (Large Assembly) CamdenSeptember 22 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification CamdenOctober 4 Hazwoper 8 Hr. Refresher Little RockOctober 4-5 Basic Industrial WastewaterCamdenOctober 4-6 Hazwoper 24 Hr. Little Rock October 4-8 Hazwoper 40 Hr. Little RockOctober 5-7Advanced Water DistributionFayettevilleOctober 11-13Class I WastewaterCamdenOctober 12-14 Backflow Assembly Repair ConwayOctober 12Basic Water MathCamdenOctober 13Applied Water MathCamdenOctober 13 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification ConwayOctober 14PWS ComplianceCamdenOctober 18-22 Backflow Assembly Tester JonesboroOctober 19 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification JonesboroOctober 19-21Basic Water DistributionLittle RockOctober 26-27 Utility Management MaumelleNovember 2-4Intermediate Water DistributionMaumelleNovember 2-4 Backflow Assembly Repair FayettevilleNovember 3 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification FayettevilleNovember 8Basic Water MathRussellvilleNovember 8-10 Advanced Industrial WastewaterCamdenNovember 9Applied Water MathRussellvilleNovember 10PWS ComplianceRussellvilleNovember 15-18 Class II Wastewater CamdenNovember 16-18Basic Water TreatmentCamdenNovember 16-17 Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Fayetteville?Nov 30-Dec 2Intermediate Water TreatmentArkadelphiaDecember 6-10 Class III Wastewater FayettevilleDecember 7-9 Backflow Assembly Repair (Large Assembly) CamdenDecember 8 Backflow Assembly Tester Recertification CamdenDecember 14-16Basic Water TreatmentRussellville?To see internet classes available go to our website at sautech.edu. REGISTER ON-LINE at sautech.edu click on the AETA logo then the AETA registration form. Complete and submit. You can also call Letitia Rusch at 870-574-4550 or e-mail lrusch@sautech.eduLaboratory/Pretreatment Committee Call for PapersThe Laboratory/Pretreatment Committee would like to announce a call for papers for those interested in presenting Laboratory or Pretreatment topics at the Annual AWW & WEA Conference in Hot Springs April 25 and 26, 2011. Please e-mail a brief abstract overview of your topic that you wish to present to both Lance McAvoy (LMcAvoy@) and Randy Easley (REasley@) by September 24, 2010. Those selected will be notified by e-mail. Currently, the Pretreatment portion of the program will be on Monday and the Laboratory portion will be held on Tuesday. For more information, please contact Randy or Lance.The First Industrial Pretreatment Training Webcast from EPA (free)! By Allen Gilliam, ADEQ State Pretreatment CoordinatorThis would be worth your time if you can fit it into your calendar. Hopefully, there will be many more in the future. These are not interactive (yet). There will be two speakers talking about IU Survey Procedures with the actual slide presentation auto forwarding on your screen. In other words, you can listen, but can't talk or ask questions to the speakers. I've met both speakers and believe they would respond to any e-questions after the presentations so jot down your questions for garcia.al@ or chistine.wong@The number of registrants may be limited, so if you want to ensure a line, please register as soon as you can. Link to Registration and more information:()&eventid=218566&sessionid=1&key=999F8436F5896780ADF243B0CCAD92F2&sourcepage=registerAnnouncing: U.S. EPA Pretreatment Webcast:The Pretreatment 101 Series: Industrial User Waste Survey ProceduresDate: Tuesday, September 21, 2010Time: 12 pm to 2 pm Central TimeSpeakers: Al Garcia, EPA Region 8 Pretreatment Coordinator Christine Wong, Tetra Tech, Inc.Description:This webcast is the first in the series of webcasts that will discuss the federally required implementation procedures of a pretreatment program [40 CFR Part 403 and NPDES Regulations of 40 CFR 122]. This webcast will discuss the regulatory background of industrial wastewater surveys, used to identify industrial users (IU) discharges of concern to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), procedures for conducting the initial and ongoing surveys, timing of conducting the surveys, conducting reassessments, and procedures on how to keep the survey information updated and current. The webcast will also present helpful hints and and common errors found during the surveying process.Note: Your computer must have the capability of playing sound in order to attend this webcast.[After registering, go to the bottom where it says "You must have javascript and cookies enabled to complete registration. Click here for Help." Click "here" to see if your PC has the right software. If I'm not mistaken, javascript is a free download too, if you don't have it./allen g]WEF representative Duyen Tran presents James with a certificate.4476753314700James Rose displays his project.18218151016635Students and teachers at the competition.Stockholm Junior Water Prize By Jane Hurley, Education/ Public Outreach ChairThis past June James Rose, Alpena High School, represented Arkansas at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition in St. Louis, Missouri.? Each year, AWEA sponsors a student and the student’s teacher to attend the event.? An interesting twist this year was that the student’s teacher was also his father, Roger Rose. Roger said it was great to have interaction with other science teachers from across the country and has plans to follow up with the teachers he met from nearby states.? Roger said the event was very motivational for both students and teachers and was very well organized. ?James enjoyed meeting other students and participating in the activities that were planned for them.? James’ project, Leaching Lead, Phase 2, was a follow up investigation on the environmental impact of discarded electronics that are exposed to rainwater.? He demonstrated that lead is leached from electronics in such conditions.?This winner of this summer’s competition was Rebecca Ye of Bangor, Maine.? Her project proposed a technique to combine the sciences of microbiology and nanotechnology to create a biosensor capable of rapid identification strains of pathogenic bacteria E. Coli. Monitor from March 22 until December 31!World Water Monitoring Day? (WWMD) is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies. An easy-to-use test kit enables everyone from children to adults to sample local water bodies for a core set of water quality parameters including temperature, acidity (pH), clarity (turbidity) and dissolved oxygen (DO). Results are shared with participating communities around the globe through the WWMD Web site. World Water Monitoring Day is officially celebrated on September 18; however, the monitoring window was extended for the first time in 2009 from March 22 (World Water Day) until December 31. Participants are encouraged to celebrate with WEF and IWA in September or to observe their own WWMD anytime during the extended window. The deadline for submitting data to the WWMD database is December 31.The coordinators of WWMD, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) plan to expand participation to one million people in 100 countries by 2012. Log on to , to learn more about the event.4476751009650? 40862255124450Sanitary Sewer Sludge Shovelers are inducted at the Wastewater Luncheon: Lance McAvoy, Aaron Benzing and Chris Enloe.Billy Ammons, Tim Luther and David Jurgens display awards received at the Wastewater Luncheon.5334005124451AWEA Wastewater Awards LuncheonThe AWEA Wastewater Awards Luncheon was a truly enlightening event this year. Our guest speaker was Rebecca West, WEF Past President. Her praise for the dedication of water and wastewater professionals was delivered with an edge-of-your-seat, heartfelt aptitude that reached out to the audience. She also had some great insight on the future of water sciences and services that included the changing dynamics of our field and the challenges we currently face with a primarily older and more experienced personnel base. Rebecca’s ideas for a paradigm shift that would focus ways to attract more young professionals into a career in water and wastewater were enthusiastically received. We also enjoyed the ceremonial tributes of numerous awards given to the dedicated and valuable champions of the wastewater profession. To conclude the luncheon we were honored to witness the induction of the newly pinned Sanitary Sewer Sludge Shovelers; Lance McAvoy, Aaron Benzing, and Chris Enloe. Congratulations to all award honorees and keep up the great work. The proud citizens of our Arkansas communities depend on each one of you for the beautiful waterways that you help to protect every day!AWW & WEA AwardsTim LutherCH2M HILL OMIWastewater Manager of the YearJames N. CarlockCity of OsceolaWastewater Outstanding Achievement – Pop. More Than 5,000Bradley SchefflerCity of PiggottWastewater Outstanding Achievement – Pop. Less Than 5,001Winthrop Rockefeller InstituteCentral DistrictWastewater Small Systems AwardHoxieNortheast DistrictWastewater Small Systems AwardCity of BlevinsSouthwest DistrictWastewater Small Systems AwardAWEA AwardsTim LutherCH2M HILL OMIMike Thomason Wastewater Manager of the YearMartha TrotterParagould Light Water & CableLab Analyst of the YearJennifer EnosSpringdale Water UtilitiesPretreatment Professional of the YearJake RiceCity Water & Light, JonesboroSafety – Population More Than 20,000Richard KyzerLittle Rock WastewaterSafety Professional of the YearBruce AndersonAR Rural Water AssociationJames Bailey Educator of the YearWEF AwardsFayetteville WWTF – Billy Ammons, Duyen TranCH2M HILL OMIGeorge W. Burke Jr. AwardDavid JurgensCity of FayettevilleSydney Bell AwardDavid RobertsBentonville WWTPHatfield AwardDonna McChristianCH2M HILL OMILab Analyst Excellence Award38957255953125Lance McAvoy (right) presents Duyen Tran with an award of appreciation for her years of service as AWEA President.Lance McAvoy (left) presents Thea Hughes with an award of appreciation for her years of service on the AWEA board.4286255953125404812510668006096001066800 Jane Hurley (left), Tim Cleveland (right) and wife at dinner with friends and associates.Tiffany Mallard (left), Richard Kyzer (center) and Donna McChristian (right). An evening of fun and antics helped new board members get to know everyone.AWEA board members enjoy an evening of fun with friends.AWEA board members enjoy dinner with WEF guest speaker, Rebecca West. Duyen Tran (center) and husband, Huong Duong (left), enjoy some leisure time with Jane Hurley (right).Jessica Keahey (left) and Lance McAvoy (center) play for the camera while Letitia Rusch (right) laughs at their antics.404812565627254039235380047560960065436756096003800475O&M of Collection Systems Critical to LifeBy Thea Hughes, AWEA Collection System ChairI have read that there are approximately 600,000 miles of sewer lines in the United States and no two are exactly alike. While they are “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” to most citizens, they provide one of the most important means in our society to protect human health. Our wastewater collection systems convey sewage from its point of origin, to a point of treatment and disposal. The safe and effective operation and maintenance of these lines is critical. In 1939, 60 people in Illinois died from typhoid due to a sewer line leaking into a water supply. It is apparent that maintaining our sewage collection systems is imperative to our quality of life.In order to maintain our collection systems, and thus our quality of life, we need to continue learning more effective means. We can learn from one another by passing on our experiences, skills, and knowledge. One opportunity is through our annual AWW&WEA conference. I am currently putting together the Collection System track for the 2011 conference. It is always good to provide some new training, ideas, and fresh information for those attending. If you know a good speaker and/or an interesting topic, please contact me at 501/982-0581 or by email at thea@. I am interested in hearing your suggestions concerning topics and presenters for our conference. I would like to thank all the speakers from the Collection System track at the AWW&WEA conference in May. They did a tremendous job and provided some important training and information to all of us in the industry. I have already heard some good feedback concerning how some of you are using the information you learned at the conference. If you learned something to help you operate your system more efficiently, or to solve a problem you are having, it makes the entire conference worthwhile. Water Environment Federation Supports New Prescription Drug Take-Back ProgramThe Water Environment Federation (WEF) is proud to support and help promote a new nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Announced in August, the program seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft but will also assist with efforts to prevent unused prescription medications from entering the wastewater stream.The DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites nationwide on Saturday, September 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.According to the DEA’s August 19th press release, “this initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.”For more information and to view a list of nationwide collection sites, please visit < Finding LeadersBy Bill Bertera, WEF Executive DirectorThe great majority of not‐for‐profit organizations in North America are directed and managed by volunteers. Most associations do not have staff. In fact, most not‐for‐profit organizations are home grown organizations at the state and local level founded and managed to serve needs not addressed by the private sector or government; and they are run by “regular” people…people with other lives. Consequently, most associations look more like a typical WEF Member Association than they do like WEF itself. Still, leading not for profit organizations is an increasingly difficult thing, even smaller, local organizations…and it is time consuming even if one has the interest. New and rapid communication devices require new skill sets in our leaders and place even more demands on them. Technology does not lessen workloads, it increases them. Not only do we expect our volunteer leaders to lead, we expect them to lead with some immediacy. Unreasonably, we expect them to put aside other professional and personal interests and deal with ours…NOW. This is not a realistic expectation, and if pushed too hard, can result in discouraging otherwise willing and able volunteers. So we have to recruit and choose carefully and with the knowledge that few volunteers are without conflicts of time and interest. The constraints of diminished time and the need for new skill sets in association management make recruiting and choosing volunteer leadership an important mandate for our associations…and we have to plan for it. The first step is to realize that not everyone with time and good intentions is automatically qualified to lead. Leadership requires skills that not all of us have…and most of us are not leaders. That is why it is important to know what we need in our leaders before we name them. These skills and talents are called “qualifications”. Qualifications are in the eye of the beholder. We all see someone different in the mirror in the morning than our good friends see when they bump into us on the street. Somehow that morning mirror vision tends to show someone younger, slimmer, and more intelligent. Perceptions, of course, are not realities…they are misguided observations. Increasingly, our organizations are less tolerant of misguided observations. We need to know what we want and we need a plan for getting it, or we will fail. Leadership is no exception. Volunteers with the time and the desire to lead need to know this too. There is more to leading than just offering ourselves up and wielding a gavel. Leadership, even uncompensated leadership of a not‐for‐profit association, is an important job and not without its risks and obligations as well as rewards. Natural leaders are a rare blessing and the need for leadership is too important to leave to chance. One of the most effective strategies for addressing the leadership gap is to identify potential leaders early on and help educate them in the art of leadership itself. Whether we find natural leaders or create our own, qualifications still matter, and topping the list are people skills…those that have to do with listening, mediating and empathizing. Volunteer organizations are just that and no one is there for much other that the satisfaction of serving. Serving should not be too much like real work. The leader’s job is to make sure that it is not…to get the work done, but to make the experience rewarding. Knowing your MA and how it works and what it needs is important. That means that service on the critical MA committees of membership, finance, and planning is important. It also helps to understand what boards do and how they are supposed to work. Setting direction and implementing are two different things. One is a board’s job, the other falls to individual leaders and members. And finally, and perhaps most important of all, an open mind, an ability to work as part of a team, a willingness to make decisions…and oh, yes, a sense of humor is essential. In most volunteer organizations the task of identifying, attracting and sometimes choosing leaders falls to a nominating committee of some sort. But nominating committees do more than just choose leaders. They also decide, implicitly or explicitly, what kind of leadership an organization needs or should have and advises the organization on how best to provide for that leadership over time. In this sense, the MA nominating committee may be the most important committee in the organization. Who sits on it, their values and their sense of the future for the organization are critical. It is not an honorary or unimportant job. Recession! Stimulus. Recovery? And Other NewsBy Jessica KeaheyAccording to a new congressional analysis, the cost of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - better known as the economic stimulus package - originally estimated at $787 billion in Jan. 2009, has risen to the tune of $814 billion. As of the end of August, approximately 40% of the stimulus monies have been allocated. Utah is leading the way in the spending spree, while other states have been slower to allocate the designated funds. The analysis also reported that the stimulus has saved or created between 1.4-3.3 million jobs and increased the GDP by 4.5%. However, the Congressional Oversight Panel reported delinquent construction loans are generating larger losses than any other type of real estate loan, with 17% of all construction loans classified as delinquent. And while the Labor Department reported a slight increase in construction jobs, some experts believe the trend is unlikely to last. Others believe the recession to be over based on the number of rising jobs in construction, but that recovery has not yet begun. It is reported 17,820 stimulus-funded infrastructure projects worth $34.1 billion are currently ongoing.Over Labor Day, the White House announced its plans for a $50 billion infrastructure program, however those funds are aimed largely at transportation infrastructure. Currently, the Water Infrastructure Financing Act, which would infuse the State Revolving Funds with $17 billion, has been approved by committee and awaits the Senate’s consideration. In other news, Sept. 25th was national prescription drug “Take-Back” Day, sponsored by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Sites across the nation served as free and anonymous collection points to assist with efforts to prevent pharmaceuticals from entering the wastewater stream. EPA has also announced in the Federal Register that it will be issuing a draft guidance document on the handling of unused pharmaceuticals, targeted at hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.2010-2011 Officers & Committee ChairsPositionNameCompanyEmailPast-PresidentLisa EllingtonCity Light and Waterlellington@PresidentLance McAvoyFort Smith UtilityLMcAvoy@Vice-PresidentDuyen TranCH2M HILL OMIduyen.tran@Secretary/TreasurerLetitia RuschArkansas Environmental Training Academylrusch@sautech.eduCommittee ChairsNominating CommitteeLisa EllingtonCity Light and Waterlellington@Scholarship CommitteeLisa EllingtonCity Light and Waterlellington@Awards CommitteeLisa EllingtonCity Light and Waterlellington@NewsletterDonna McChristianCH2M HILL OMIdonna.mcchristian@Government Affairs CommitteeJessica KeaheyMcGoodwin, Williams, & Yatesjkeahey@Education/Public Outreach CommitteeJane HurleyADEQhurleyj@adeq.state.ar.usOps ChallengeEric WassellLittle Rock Wastewatereric.wassell@Industrial CommitteeStan MillerLittle Rock Wastewaterstan.miller@Lab/Pretreatment CommitteeLance McAvoyFort Smith UtilityLMcAvoy@Lab/Pretreatment CommitteeRandy EasleyFort Smith UtilityReasley@Safety CommitteeRichard KyzerLittle Rock Wastewaterrichard.kyzer@Technical CommitteeLouise HoganLittle Rock Wastewaterlouise.hogan@Collection Systems CommitteeThea HughesJacksonville Wastewaterthea@Membership CommitteeLarry YanceyHawkins-Weir Engineers, Inclarry.yancey@hawkins-Young Professional CommitteeTiffany MallardFort Smith UtilityThays@Newsletter EditorDonna McChristianCH2M HILL OMIFayetteville, ARE-mail:donna.mcchristian@Visit our Website at awea_AWEA OfficersLisa Ellington, Past PresidentLance McAvoy, PresidentDuyen Tran, Vice PresidentLetitia Rusch, Secretary-TreasurerDuyen Tran, WEF Delegate38862001209675 ................
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